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Bromont

Bromont died this past weekend. He was pretty much done with this world. Trudi is a mess. She loved that dog to death. I just took her to the Kansas City airport, heading off to the Tour of California. Hopefully that will be a good distraction for her.

It is so strange how you become so dependent upon being responsible for another. He shaped my life more than I want to admit. I think he made many other people’s life’s better too, which isn’t an insignificant thing.

I had a deal with Bromont. I promised to take care of him as best I could, as long as I could. We took care of each other. He was a pure joy to be around and a very good boy. I’m going to miss him like crazy.

I think how we treat the animals we love is a reflection of our character. I have never met you but have read your blog for several years. Your love for Bromont came through in every post. I am sorry to hear he is gone. He looked like such a happy beautiful dog. Try to remember the good times.

I am so saddened to read this, but it is a relief for Bromont to have a complete and healthy body again. I totally believe we will connect again and for now, his energy will continue to surround you and be with you and Trudi always. If you have not already read it, I think you and Trudi should read “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein. Its an amazing book. Trudi may want to wait a bit before reading it though. It’s sure to bring more tears, but is one of the most heartwarming stories I’ve ever read.
My heart goes out to you both.
~Stephanie

until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened ~Anatole France

Bromont was a friend, athlete and a wonderful dog. He will be missed by many. The loss of a family member is never easy, especially one that lived a life of unconditional love. I so ditto Stephanie’s suggestion on this book. It truly helps in thinking about these types of things. I think the souls of our loved ones, human and non human, stay with us. Perhaps they come back in another form that we may or may not recognize. Blessings to you and Trudi.

Steve I’m really sorry for your loss. As important as Bromont was to you I’d like to suggest that you and your friends get together and have an event where you remember Bromont. I had a cat get hit by a car about six years ago and I cried frequently for about a week until I read The Tenth Good Thing About Barney. You might consider that for Trudi.

Steve and Trudi,
So sad to hear of Bromont’s passing! Having met him while I was race director of the QC Crit, it was always a joy to see you, Trudi and Bromont. As a long time dog owner, having our BEST friends ever pass away is always devastating, and we will always remember those four legged friends forever! I hope you two find peace in knowing that he is not suffering anymore! My condolences to you and R.I.P. Bromont! My best!

We are so very-very sorry! Bromount was a great dog, with a huge heart, easy going attitude and a love for running wild and free. He loved both of you intensely, as did you and Trudi of him. He is no longer suffering…but know that the two of you are. Our hearts go out to both you and Trudi. Take care.

Been dreading this. There is nothing I can say. Having gone through loss of Mom and my Father in the past 2 years. Others to remember and keep memory of good times alive is good.
I am sorry Trudi, Iam sorry Steve.
-fergie

That deal you made with Bromont? I’m thinking you both more than lived up to your respective ends of the bargain. Like, tons.

I made a similar deal with pets I have loved and lost (two dear ones recently, within six months of each other). I told them that since they were leaving this world sooner than me, I expect them to be front and center on the reception committee when I eventually show up. Every fiber in my being believes this will happen.

Steve- my deepest condolences. I know how much Bromont meant to both of you after reading your chronicles on him. My wife and I were just recently given the horrible news that our 12 yr. old Bordie Collie mix, Anderson, has Lymphoma and maybe only a month to 2 months tops. For us this is all too soon as we are coming up on the one year anniversary, May 7, of our 14 yr. Golden Retriever, Jenna, suffering a stroke out of nowhere , (she had run 2 miles with me the day before) and then us having to let her go the next day. I’m more a runner guy then a bike guy and both these dogs had easily logged over 10K miles with me in the Verdugo Mountains by my house here in Glendale, Ca. We have no kids , they are our “kids”. It tears you apart . The only thing you can solace in is the fact you gave them the past life possible and they never had a bad day. It takes a long time but things get better. I think I cried every day for a month after Jenna left us. Actually I’m embarrassed to say I wept more then when my mom passed away. Wishing you strength in this difficult time.

My belief is that dogs are angels sent to do more for us than we can ever do for them. Bromont will be missed by all. May yours and Trudi’s sorrow pass as the memories of a great dog like Bromont will be with you always.

A dog is a special creature. They’re always happy to see you when you get home. They give back so much more than you put into them. I treasure the memories of all the dogs I’ve owned. I know I gave them good, happy lives, and that’s something to feel good about. You should feel good about the life you gave Bromont.

So, so sorry Steve. Find solace knowing you provided Bromont with an awesome life. Responses on this thread show how much positive impact he and your relationship with him had on others as well. He’s running endless fields and smiling on all of us. Take care.

So sorry Steve. My thoughts go out to you, Trudi, and Kris. I always loved seeing Bromont running around at the local races. I’m like you, my dogs are my kids and when something happens to one it just tears my heart out. Rest now Bromont, may your memories live forever.

Steve and Trudi,
I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting either of you in person but after reading Steve’s blog for about 2 years now I do feel I know you enough to understand you both have good hearts. Please know as a dog owner myself who has lost his share of great companions over the years, I do understand and feel the pain you are dealing with at this time. Nothing like the unconditional love of a good dog to raise our spirits when they need lifting. To make us laugh when humor is the best medicine. Most of all to love us back with nothing wanted other than being our companions. God bless Bromont and you both, I wish I could have had the honor of meeting him myself.
Sincerely,
Mark

My thoughts are with you and Trudy! Animals somehow can bring out something in all of us that another human being can’t; it seems strange, but it truly is wonderful! You gave Bromont a wonderful life and I’m quite sure that he returned the favor many times over. Take care and remember all the good times!!

I’ve been reading your blog for 7-8 years I think. I often babble about what I’ve read here to the wife and it goes in one ear and out the other. However she saw the pic of Bromont while I had it on screen. She asked if something had happened. I told her that Bromont has been sick for a while and she asked about him. She was very sad to hear about him. She relayed a story about seeing Bromon at Tulsa and asking ‘some lady’ if this was Bromont (I’m guessing it was Trudi) giving him a pet. My wife could not care less about the cycling aspect or any other part of our cycling drama but she knew Bromont and actually ‘met’ him twice (other time was at an Austin race somwhere). I think he had more fans than you 🙂

My thoughts go out to you and Trudi. I’m like a lot of your readers I’ll miss reading about Bromont. He brought a bunch of smiles on days when smiles were few. He made a bunch of us very sad today. I hope you and Trudi are going to be OK.

I am terribly sorry and saddened to hear the news, and you and Trudi have my deepest sympathies. I never had the privilege of meeting Bromont, or either of you, but your obvious love and bond with Bromont makes me feel like I’ve lost a loved one, too. Peace, comfort, and healing to you all. Thank you for sharing your love for Bromont with us.

I appreciate your love, kindness, and connection to, Bromont, it speaks volumes about you as a human and the way you treat others. I have always enjoyed the way you treated me when I was new to the sport and did silly things- you were always kind and supportive! I know Bromont brought just as much to your life as you did his, maybe more – he is missed by many.

I wish you and Trudi the best as your hearts feel heavy with the loss of your beautiful dog. Take care and know that an animal couldn’t ask for a better family than the both of you.

I’m so sorry to hear about Bromont. I know he was a great friend. I understand the hurt you feel. We just lost our beagle Freckles on 4/27. My girls have not known life without her. Again sorry for your loss.
Sam

so sorry about your loss. Even though I’ve never met your dog he feels like family. Keep up with your blog. I’m from Topeka and you represent us well. I now live in Florida and will be riding Dirty Kanza this year.